Hey! Get A Room « Sharp – Canada's Magazine for Men

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May 2013

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Hey! Get A Room

<b>Friday, February, 15th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> After you’ve slept in and grabbed a bite to eat, bundle up and partake in one of the area’s famous winter activities. Ski or snowboard? Hit the slopes at <a href="http://www.skibanff.com/">Sunshine Village</a>. If that's not your thing, go for the unconventional and try your hand at dogsledding. <a href="http://www.snowyowltours.com/">Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours</a> offers a great dogsledding package that will whip you through the beautiful scenery for an experience you won’t soon forget.

For undeniably great cuisine, make a reservation at <a href="http://www.banffmapleleaf.com/">The Maple Leaf</a>. Treat yourself to their two-tiered seafood tower and you’ll be in foodie heaven. Don't be afraid to splurge on a little wine, either. The occasion calls for it, and your girl deserves the best.

<b>Saturday, February 16th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> Time to hit up the <a href="http://www.explorerockies.com/banff-gondola/">gondola</a>, a must-experience ride for anyone visiting Banff. You’ve seen the scenery from the ground; now see how beautiful the mountains look from above. Enjoy some hot chocolate at the top and get your fellow vacationers to take a few romantic photos of you and your partner. You’ll want to show these off when you get back.

After you've had your fill of the breathtaking winterscape, head back down the mountain and treat her to a world-class spa at the hotel. Rated as one of the top five spas in Canada by Condé Nast Traveler, the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/willow-stream/">Willow Stream Spa</a> offers a variety of services that will cater to her every need. For a truly relaxing experience, take a dip in their pool. They import Hungarian salt and play music underwater to ease your body, mind and soul.

<b>Sunday, February 17th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> Get up early and make your way down to Lake Louise, a 45-minute drive from Banff. Still within the National Park's borders, this secluded retreat has earned a worldwide reputation as a must-experience destination. Skate on the lake at the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/lake-louise/">Chateau Lake Louise</a> before you retire to the hotel's lobby for a drink and bite to eat.

<b>Friday, February 15th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> It’s the day after Valentine’s Day; let’s not complicate things. Sleep in and grab some brunch before you make a beeline for the beach. Enjoy the sand, the sea, the boardwalk and the vendors. Treat yourself to some drinks at a bar along the shore and an extra unhealthy set of snacks.
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After your beach day, you’ll want to check out the Cupid’s Carnival at Flamingo Park, part of Miami’s Beach event programming. A one-day carnival will allow you and your partner to relive your youth at this couples-focused event. Ride the Ferris wheel, buy some cotton candy and win an overstuffed animal for your better half.

<b>Saturday, February 16th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> Travel out to Little Havana and enjoy a few Cuban cigars as you take in the local culture. Full of energy and colour, the area boasts a lively environment that'll make for an exciting day. Enjoy the food, take in some shopping and relax.

<b>Sunday, February 17th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Prolong your visit with one last trip to the beach before you grab a bite to eat at <a href="http://www.thebetsyhotel.com/blt-steak/index.cfm">BLT Steak</a> and embrace their specialty sandwiches. Might as well have a drink or two while you're at it. Cheers!

Situated on the Champs-Élysées, you and your lady will be able to wake up to a view of the Arc de Triomphe during your stay. Of course, you’ve already made late dinner reservations for your arrival. Try <a href="http://www.crillon.com/?l=en#flavours/ambassadeurs">Les Ambassadeurs</a>, an opulent and rustic resto that’s as exquisite as it is unique.

Paris has one of the most vibrant arts and culture scenes in the world, so you’ll have to take advantage of the museums and galleries that it offers. Start your day with a visit to the <a href="http://www.louvre.fr/en">Louvre</a>. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take her on your own personal tour of the romantic pieces that are on display (note: this will take some research on your end.) We recommend the <i>Venus de Milo</i> or Antonio Canova’s <i>Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss</i>.

<b>Friday, February 15th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> Spend some time walking along the Seine, enjoying the buskers and street vendors as you walk hand-in-hand with your partner. It’s a scene that’s pretty much straight out of a Woody Allen romance.
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In the evening, make your way to Le Bilboquet, a local restaurant and Jazz club. Have a few drinks on the balcony as you overlook the band and the club before retiring back to your hotel.

<b>Saturday, February 16th</b>
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<b>The Gist:</b> Hire a car for the day and head over to the <a href="http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage">Palace of Versailles</a> for some marvels in architecture that are rarely seen elsewhere. The Hall of Mirrors is a perfect photo opportunity for you and your beloved, but don’t forget about touring the enormous grounds.
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Afterwards, head into the town of Versailles and enjoy the local culture. Perhaps a few macarons at a local café while you rest your feet. The town here attracts a much smaller crowd of tourists than the palace, making for the perfect opportunity to practice your Francais with the friendly locals.

<b>Sunday, February 17th</b>
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<b>The Plan:</b> You and your partner have seen it sparkle at night before bed, but now it's time to experience it up close. Make your way up the tower and soak it all in. Grab a bite to eat at the tower's temporary restaurant (open until March 2013) for an experience she'll never forget. Bonus points if you decide it's the day to pop a certain question.

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